Icon Snap Bracelet and Method to Remember Tasks

ABSTRACT

An Icon Snap Bracelet that has a strap and that uses a plurality of removable caps each applied with a different graphical icon that represents a particular task and/or activity. The caps are removably installed the strap using a connector such that each cap represents a task/activity that the person wearing the bracelet is supposed to do that day. The person then removes the cap representing a given task/activity when that task/activity has been completed. In this way, a plurality of daily tasks/activities can be monitored and reminded of for each given day or other time period.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 62/751,982 filed on Oct. 29, 2018, incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the technical field of consumer goods. Moreparticularly, the present invention is in the technical field offashion. In further description, wearable memory aids.

People often write lists on paper, or directly on their hand to remembertheir important tasks for the day. In particular, people with specialneeds can have difficulty remembering tasks and chores. Some people haveturned to phones and computers to keep track of their daily routines.However, these methods have proven to have their own shortcomings.Electronic devices have a high cost, requiring the use of batteries thathave a limited time period of use, and they are easily lost or damaged.Paper notes are easily misplaced. And writing on parts of the human bodycan stain the skin and make cleanup difficult. A solution that solvesone or more of these problems is desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided are a plurality of example embodiments, including, but notlimited to, a device comprising: a strap; a plurality of connectorsmounted on the strap; a plurality of caps, each one of said caps havinga different icon representing a task and/or activity indicated (e.g.,printed or stamped) on one side and having a connector configured toremovably connect to a respective one of the connectors mounted on thestrap provided on the other side; and a strap connector for connectingends of the strap together to configure the device for mounting on abody part of a person or other convenient location on a bag or backpack.

Also provided is the above device, wherein said strap is configured tohave an adjustable length.

Further provided is the above device, wherein said strap is configuredfor receiving at least three of said caps on said strap.

One embodiment of the present invention is a bracelet that uses one ormore removable graphic icon snaps to represent the user's tasks or otherreminders. This compact visual representation helps the user rememberthe task, and enables the user to remove the icon as each task iscompleted. The icons are interchangeable, can come pre-applied withgraphics or words representing specific tasks, and can be removed as thetask is completed, and may be replaced with new icons representing a newtask or new reminder.

Also provided is a method of aiding in memory, said method comprisingthe steps of:

-   -   providing a device such as described hereinabove;    -   selecting a cap, from said plurality of caps, comprising an        image indicative of a task and/or an activity that the person is        to perform; and    -   installing said selected cap on a respective connector on said        strap.

Also provided is the above method, further comprising the step ofremoving the selected cap from said strap after said task and/oractivity has been completed.

Further provided is the above method, further comprising the steps of:

-   -   after removing the selected cap from said strap after said task        and/or activity has been completed, selecting another cap, from        said plurality of caps, comprising an image indicative of a        different task and/or an activity that the person is to perform;        and    -   installing the other selected cap on the same respective        connector on said strap.

An example of the invention in use is as follows. The user selects theappropriate icon snaps required for the tasks to be performed that day(based on the graphics or words applied on the snaps via printing,stickers, etching, or engraving) and attaches them to the bracelet.Throughout the day, the user can remove each icon as the respectivetasks are completed. The bracelet's prominent location on the body(e.g., the wrist) would serve as a frequent reminder of the remainingtasks. Blank snaps could also be provided so users can add new remindersby drawing graphics or words on the blank snaps that were not previouslyprovided with pre-made icons.

The proposed device could be a great benefit for school aged children toremember their daily routine in a fun and fashionable way. This couldeliminate repetitive reminders from parents or caregivers when workingthrough their morning routine and getting ready for the day includingpersonal hygiene, school assignments, or activities such as sportingevents, after-school clubs, music lessons, taking medications,performing daily chores, etc. This is a unique product that could alsobenefit senior citizens or those challenged with poor memory. There isnothing on the market like this that uses snapping icons to jog yourmemory.

Also provided are additional example embodiments, some, but not all ofwhich, are described hereinbelow in more detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the example embodiments described hereinwill become apparent to those skilled in the art to which thisdisclosure relates upon reading the following description, withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a snapbracelet;

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a top view of the snap bracelet of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of a side view of the snap bracelet ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the snap bracelet of FIG. 1 prepared forplacing on a wrist of a user;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another example embodiment havingadjustable snap bracelet; and

FIG. 6 is a side view of the adjustable snap bracelet of FIG. 5 preparedfor placing on a wrist of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the example embodiment of the invention in more detail,in FIGS. 1 through 3, there is shown various views of a bracelet 10 madeof a flexible strap 11 that can be provided, for example, between ¼″ and1″ wide and between 5″-10″ long for typical use, although other sizesare easily accommodated, such as a longer version that can be used as anecklace or ankle bracelet. The bracelet 10 can be varied in length tofit many different wrist sizes, or it can be made adjustable as shownand discussed below regarding FIGS. 5-8 (discussed below).

The bracelet 10 is equipped with multiple snap sockets 12 throughout thelength of the strap 11 adapted for receiving caps 14 having respectivestud structures 14 that engage with the snap sockets 12 such that thecaps 13 remain on the bracelet 10 until removed. The caps 13 areimprinted with various icons on an outer, flat surface that is easilyvisible to a person wearing the device. For the example embodimentsshown in the figures, the caps are generally cylindrical but have a flattop surface that overhangs a cylindrical, side surface, for receivingthe visible icon. The overhang portion provides a larger imageablesurface, and also enables a person to remove the cap in an easier mannerby providing a more grippable cap.

There may be any number of cap mountable locations provided on thestrap, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (as shown in the example figures), orany desired number. In some cases, the mountable locations for the caps,where the sockets 12 are provided, will be on only a portion of theentire strap that can be made easily visible to the person wearing thedevice, although embodiments where caps can be provided around most ofthe entire strap can also be provided (as shown in the example figures,in which case the wearer may rotate the device on the wrist or otherbody part to gain visual access to the caps and hence the icons printedthereon).

The icons applied on the caps are designed to remind the wearer ofparticular tasks or events, such as chores, meetings, homework, classes,appointments, etc. The icon designs are applied to the top surface ofthe cap 13 in a permanent fashion such as printing, vinyl, stickers,engraving or etching so that the icon cannot be easily removed, and areconfigured for easy visibility on the top of the cap, which is visiblewhen the caps 13 are removably affixed to the sockets 12 via the stud 14on the bottom of the cap that is designed to “snap” into the socket 12to temporarily affix the cap 13 to the bracelet 10. Caps with noprinting can also be provided so that a person can draw their own iconson the cap using a permanent marker, for example, for customized tasksand activities.

Note that rather than using “snap” connections, the caps 13 could beattached to the bracelet 10 using other types of connectors, such asmagnets, Velcro, or others.

The strap 11 can be made of plastic, leather, cloth, or some othermaterial or combinations thereof that is comfortable to wear, and insome cases that might be hypoallergenic such that it prevents allergicreactions in the wearer. The caps can be made of plastic or metal orwood or glass or another hard, durable material, or they could be madeof a more flexible material such as rubber or plastic.

Since there are a plurality of different caps 13, each provided withdifferent icons representing different tasks and/or activities, thebracelet 10 can be configured on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis withthe tasks/activities that are scheduled for that respective period oftime. For example, in the case of a child, a parent could configure thebracelet with icons representing the various tasks/activities that thechild must accomplish for that day, such as making the bed, cleaning theroom, attending class or a club meeting, doing homework, washing dishes,etc. The child could then remove the appropriate cap when the task iscompleted, saving that cap for future use. In the case of special needschildren, a similar procedure could be accomplished.

By utilizing this bracelet 10, the child is taught responsibility andtracking of tasks and activities, while relieving the parent ofconstantly reminding the child of those duties. Since children oftenlose things, replacement caps can be provided to easily replace lostcaps.

In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIGS. 1-3, thebracelet 10 is of sufficient length to wrap around a user's wrist (orother body part, such as ankle, neck, etc.). The closure 15 closes thebracelet to keep it on the wrist. This closure can be of a snap variety,or Velcro, or a magnet, or some other means of fastening the ends of thebracelet 10 together to wear the bracelet 10.

The bracelet 10 can be made adjustable to accommodate many differentwrist sizes, such as using an adjustable connector 16 as shown in thealternative example embodiment 20 of FIGS. 5-6. Such a connector 16might comprise Velcro pieces spread out on the bracelet strap 11 thatengage with an opposite Velcro piece on the end of the strap 11, such asthe length of the strap 11 can be varied allowing adjustable fit. Notethat other forms of adjustment are possible, such as using a pin andhole arrangement such as is used in leather watch bands, or usingreplaceable links and adjustable connectors such as used in metal watchbands. Alternatively, bands using elastic components, such a rubber orother materials, could be utilized to allow the strap 11 to stretch tochange its length.

FIG. 4 shows the snap bracelet formed into a loop as it would be formedaround the wrist of a user or attached to a bag or belt loop, showingthe closure 15 in a position to engage a corresponding snap socket onthe bracelet. Thus, the closure 15 connects to a snap socket in asimilar manner as the stamps 16 using a similar stud 12.

The caps 13 are provided with various icons so they are interchangeablebased on the user's tasks/activities for a given period of time, andthey might be arranged in the order at which the tasks/activities shouldbe accomplished. For example, icons representing sports (a baseballmitt), watering plants (a watering can), and taking out recyclables (therecycle symbol) are shown as examples, each of which can represent atask to be performed by the wearer. Other tasks such as getting dressed(clothing), taking out the trash (a trash can), doing homework (a pen topaper), feeding the pet (dog or cat), cleaning the kitchen (stack ofdishes), and many others could be utilized, may be put in the orderthose tasks should be accomplished over the day, for example. In thecase of special needs persons, the tasks might be basic routines(getting dressed, personal care, brushing teeth, etc.), whereas foraverage children and adults, the tasks or scheduled events could be morecomplicated.

In the case of special needs persons, bracelets might be provided wherethe caps 13 are not removable, so that they cannot be lost orunintentionally removed and they might have typical tasks or activitiesdone by such persons. In this case, different bracelets might beprovided for different time periods, all having permanently fixed caps13.

A particularly common set of caps 13 might be provided packaged with thestrap 11, and additional icon caps 13, including replacements, can beprovided for the user as an after-market add-on.

As additional examples, an icon showing a notebook might represent atask for doing homework, an icon showing dinner dishes might represent atask of washing dishes or loading a dishwasher, an icon showing a dogmight represent feeding, walking, or bathing a pet, for example. Thereare innumerable examples of different tasks that could be represented.In addition to icon snaps, some caps would be blank so users could writetheir own reminders with an erasable or permanent marker, for example.

In more detail, referring to the example embodiments of the invention ofFIGS. 1-4, and FIGS. 5-6, the strap 11 can, for example, be made offabric, nylon webbing, leather, rubber, plastic, laminate, or otherflexible material(s). The snap elements (socket 12, cap 13, and stud 14)could be made of plastic, metal, ceramic, or some other material thatallows the icons to be purposefully and easily added and removed by theuser, without becoming unattached unintentionally. Any method ofsnapping could be used for such a purpose.

As an alternative to snaps, these removable icons could be affixed withmagnets, velcro, or other temporary attachment methods that allow forthe icons to be removed and added as desired.

In addition to the bracelet design, alternative embodiments mightinclude a necklace having the icon attachment feature, such as on anextension strip provided on the necklace that can be seen by the weareror on snaps provided around the neck. Other alternatives includeindividual pins for the icons that can be pinned to clothing, forexample, or other wearable devices that can receive the icons using thesnaps or other attachment mechanism. A user might use more than onedevice, such as using one device for some purposes (e.g., homework) andthe other device for other purposes (e.g., chores).

Some potential advantages of the present invention include, withoutlimitation, that it need not rely on expensive electronic technology tooperate. Also, it is more convenient and better at jogging the user'smemory than a handwritten list or writing reminders on your hand.Furthermore, a large variety of icon graphics can be provided torepresent a myriad of different tasks, and the use of icons avoidsissues of language barriers or lack of ability to read.

In broad embodiment, the present invention is a system to help peopleremember their daily tasks with the use of multiple removable visualicons attached to a bracelet or other wearable strap.

Example icons that can be used with the device include, withoutlimitation, images and/or text depicting: Book; Bed; Shower; Backpack;Laptop; Winter; Sports Bottle; Laundry; Play; Phone; Paper Document;Trash Can; Comb; Tooth Brush; Money; Lunch Bag; Broom; Bake; ChristianFaith; Winter Hat; Shoe; Food; Sports; Medicine; Dishes; Dog; Art;Umbrella; Music; Swimming; Water Plants; Recycle; Toilet; Fish; Dust;Shopping Cart; Tooth; Charge; Mail; Sunscreen; Health; Video Games; NoPhone; Mittens; 1:00; 2:00; Cookie; Boots; Stethoscope; Padlock; gift;Glasses; Deodorant; Cat; Ballet Shoe; Briefcase; School Bus; Theatre;Baseball; 3:00; 4:00; 5:00; 6:00; 7:00; 8:00; 9:00; 10:00; 11:00; 12:00;Water; Scarf; Notebook; Locker; Soccer; Bowling; Iron; Pot; Paw Print;Car Wash; Dog Food; Camera; Prayer; Muslim Faith; Jewish Faith;Dumbbell; Namaste; Apple; School Supplies; Presentation; Megaphone;Whistle; Lacrosse; Volleyball; Basketball; Tennis; Football; Airplane;Sunglasses; Heart; Door Lock; Potty; Lawnmower; Watch; Light Switch;Bike; Soap; and vehicle (e.g., automobile)

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one ofordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be thebest mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand andappreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents ofthe specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The inventionshould therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment,method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within thescope and spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a strap; a plurality ofconnectors mounted on the strap; a plurality of caps, each one of saidcaps having a different icon representing a task and/or activityindicated on one side and having a connector configured to removablyconnect to a respective one of the connectors mounted on the strapprovided on the other side; and a strap connector for connecting ends ofthe strap together to configure the device for mounting on a body partof a person.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said strap is configuredto have an adjustable length.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein saidstrap is configured for receiving at least three of said caps on saidstrap.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein said strap is configured forreceiving at least five of said caps on said strap.
 5. The device ofclaim 1, wherein said strap is configured for receiving at least six ofsaid caps on said strap.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein said strap isconfigured of a length for mounting around the wrist of the person. 7.The device of claim 1, wherein said caps are comprised of plastic. 8.The device of claim 1, wherein said caps are comprised of plastic, andwherein each cap has a flat overhanging surface on which the icon isprinted, engraved, etched, or applied with vinyl or a sticker.
 9. Amethod of aiding in memory, said method comprising the steps of:providing a device comprising: a strap, a plurality of connectorsmounted on the strap, a plurality of caps, each one of said caps havinga different icon representing a task and/or activity printed on one sideand having a connector configured to removably connect to a respectiveone of the connectors mounted on the strap provided on the other side,and a strap connector for connecting ends of the strap together toconfigure the device for mounting on a body part of a person; selectinga cap, from said plurality of caps, comprising an image indicative of atask and/or an activity that the person is to perform; and installingsaid selected cap on a respective connector on said strap.
 10. Thedevice of claim 9, further comprising the step of removing the selectedcap from said strap after said task and/or activity has been completed.11. The device of claim 10, further comprising the steps of: afterremoving the selected cap from said strap after said task and/oractivity has been completed, selecting another cap, from said pluralityof caps, comprising an image indicative of a different task and/or anactivity that the person is to perform; and installing the otherselected cap on the same respective connector on said strap.
 12. Thedevice of claim 9, wherein respective ones of said plurality of capshave an icon printed thereon representing at least one of the followingtasks: doing homework; cleaning a room; brushing teeth; feeding a pet;playing a sport; or performing a chore.
 13. The device of claim 9,wherein at least one of said plurality of caps have an icon printedthereon representing one of the following tasks: doing homework;cleaning a room; brushing teeth; feeding a pet; playing a sport; orperforming a chore; and wherein at least one other of said plurality ofcaps have an icon printed thereon representing another one of thefollowing tasks: doing homework; cleaning a room; brushing teeth;feeding a pet; playing a sport; or performing a chore.
 14. The device ofclaim 13 wherein a third one of said plurality of caps have an iconprinted thereon representing still another one of the following tasks:doing homework; cleaning a room; brushing teeth; feeding a pet; playinga sport; or performing a chore.
 15. A method of aiding in memory, saidmethod comprising the steps of: providing a device comprising: a strap,a plurality of connectors mounted on the strap, a plurality of caps,each one of said caps having a different icon representing a task and/oractivity printed on one side and having a connector configured toremovably connect to a respective one of the connectors mounted on thestrap provided on the other side, and a strap connector for connectingends of the strap together to configure the device for mounting on abody part of a person; selecting a cap, from said plurality of caps,comprising an image indicative of a task and/or an activity that theperson is to perform; installing said selected cap on a respectiveconnector on said strap; performing said task and/or activity; andremoving the selected cap from said strap after said task and/oractivity has been completed.
 16. The device of claim 15, whereinrespective ones of said plurality of caps have an icon printed thereonrepresenting at least one of the following tasks: doing homework;cleaning a room; brushing teeth; feeding a pet; playing a sport; orperforming a chore.
 17. The device of claim 15, wherein at least one ofsaid plurality of caps have an icon printed thereon representing one ofthe following tasks: doing homework; cleaning a room; brushing teeth;feeding a pet; playing a sport; or performing a chore; and wherein atleast one other of said plurality of caps have an icon printed thereonrepresenting another one of the following tasks: doing homework;cleaning a room; brushing teeth; feeding a pet; playing a sport; orperforming a chore.
 18. The device of claim 17, wherein a third one ofsaid plurality of caps have an icon printed thereon representing stillanother one of the following tasks: doing homework; cleaning a room;brushing teeth; feeding a pet; playing a sport; or performing a chore.19. The device of claim 15, further comprising the steps of: afterremoving the selected cap from said strap after said task and/oractivity has been completed, selecting another cap, from said pluralityof caps, comprising an image indicative of a different task and/or anactivity that the person is to perform; installing said other selectedcap on the same respective connector on said strap; performing saiddifferent task and/or activity; and removing the other selected cap fromsaid strap after said different task and/or activity has been completed.20. The device of claim 19, wherein said caps are comprised of plastic,and wherein each cap has a flat overhanging surface on which the icon isprinted, engraved, etched, or applied with vinyl or a sticker.